Rapha Pro Team Gloves

They're not cheap at £70, but these Rapha Pro Team Gloves are some of the nicest, most comfortable and hard-wearing long finger gloves you can buy. They are ideal for autumn and warmer winter rides providing good insulation with minimum bulk.

I actually tested these gloves extensively last winter and into the spring, put them away for summer (and forgot about them) and now the autumn chill has given us the first indication that winter is on its way I have dug them out for use again.

Through all that testing, they've become my go-to long sleeve gloves for mild to cool conditions. Why? Firstly there's the great fit. They slip over my fingers and hands like a second skin.

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Rapha has positioned the seams and added a mesh panel insert on the underside to reduce any restriction of movement, and it works well. The fabric is also very soft and, dare I say it, luxurious feeling next to the skin, and there are no irritation or pressure points.

There's also a generous length cuff providing overlap with a long sleeve jersey or jacket. The addition of a Microsuede fabric on the fingertips ramps up the grip on the brake levers, and they also work with a smartphone screen too.

They're made from Polartec fabric that is windproof and water resistant; the fabric is waterproof but the seams aren't sealed so the gloves can't be classified as waterproof. The fabric provides excellent warmth, making them an excellent choice on a chilly morning ride with adequate breathability to cope when the temperature rises.

If you need to take them off, they can be rolled up and pushed into a jersey pocket without taking up much space at all. They do cope with rising temperates well, and rides conducted at pace when you are likely to generate more heat finds the gloves coping with the increasing temperature well.

They certainly aren't the first choice when it's pouring with rain but for managing cloudbursts and the unpredictability of weather at this time of year, they are better than fine. You can ride a long way in the rain before you notice the rain making its presence felt. I used them for most of the Grinduro race in Scotland when it did nothing but rain constantly.

They're durable gloves. As I mentioned, I've used them for off-road rides with a bit more rough and tumble than road rides. Even through hundreds of miles of road cycling, the gloves are showing no sign of failing or letting go at the seams. They go through a regular wash just fine as well.

As autumn rears its ugly head once again, part of me is actually looking forward to the colder weather so I can press these gloves into action again. Yes they are very expensive and you can certainly pay a lot less, but the fit and fabric performance puts these well ahead of the competition. I do wish they were cheaper though so I could give them a few more stars.

Verdict

Near perfect autumn long finger gloves